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Old 10-09-2001, 10:53 AM
Chiragp Chiragp is offline
MB Shop Retiree
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Hockessin, DE
Posts: 1,047
Now if you are going with a 205/60/15, what type of driving style do you have. Are you looking for an All-season tire that performs extremely well at cost of treadlife, or an all-season tire that wears well at the cost of performance.

Here are my suggestions:

I usually try and stick with a tire that has a good mileage warranty, if not then a good tread life, while not loosing their performance characteristics. To me, that shows the manufactuer tried making a superior tire all the way around.

My new favorite for the value, that took over the Firestone Firehawks SH30 are the Dunlop SP Sport A2. They have a 50,000 mile warranty just like the Firehawk SH30 did, a 420 AA A rating, instead of the Firehawk SH30's 460 A A. Now the "AA" rating is the highest you can get for wet traction, and the treadwear is ated in the 400s which means they will last. H-rated and performance minded, while the SH30s were more on the touring side. This is the bang for the buck. Since it is new, I would ask Luke more about what they think and if any testing has been done on these.


Dunlop SP Sport A2 $60 @ TireRack


The Firestone Firehawk LH that you mentioned are standard touring tires. They are more focused on long wear and quiet ride. Since the Dunlops are in the High-Performance All-Season category, you know they can handle better in those situations, and since they re H-rated All-Season, you would be surprised to see how well they work on MBs and how quiet and smooth a ride they can be as well.

If you want a nicer Performing tire, then I would Suggest the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 or Dunlop SP Sport 5000. However, I believe the SP SPort A2 are one of the best new tires and very balanced in its characteristics. Its something I would put on my car for my father since he is just touring for the most part, but in emergency situations you know it can handle as well. And If I ever wanted to drive it, I know the handling factor is still there, without sacrificing All-season capabilities.

Take Care, Good Luck.
__________________
Chirag (Charlie) Patel
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- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.
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